When you're ready to hit the open road on an adventure, proper trailer towing is crucial. If mishandled, it can lead to dangerous situations or damage your trailer and vehicle. At Glende Polaris® Yamaha®, we understand this and want to guide you on how to avoid some common mistakes when towing.
Not Understanding Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity
One of the biggest mistakes is not understanding your vehicle's towing capacity. Overloading your vehicle can lead to brake system failure, transmission issues, and even accidents. Always check with your vehicle’s owner’s manual for accurate towing capacity information.
Improper Loading
Improperly loading your trailer is another common mistake that can lead to accidents. An unbalanced trailer is difficult to control and may tip over while in transit. To avoid this, ensure weight is distributed evenly across the bed of the trailer.
Forgetting Safety Measures
Safety should be paramount when towing a trailer. Always do a thorough check before hitting the road. Cross check hitch systems, tires, lights, and brakes.
Ignoring Driving Differences
Towing a trailer affects driving dynamics. Be attentive to these changes—braking takes longer, acceleration slows down, and maneuverability changes with more weight attached. Reduce speed and increase following distances for safety.
Neglecting Maintenance
Your trailer requires regular maintenance just like any other vehicle: tire pressure checks, brake inspections, etc. Regular maintenance reduces chances of roadside problems and ensures longevity of your trailer.
At Glende Polaris® Yamaha®, we'd love to help you make the most of your travels. Stop by our location in Chico, CA, to browse hundreds of trailer models for sale and take advantage of a local hub of knowledge and support for your towing needs. We proudly serve the nearby communities of Red Bluff, Yuba City, and Redding, CA, and look forward to assisting you with all of your important towing needs!